MPUMALANGA health MEC Gillion Mashego has promised to clamp down on nurses who reportedly assault pregnant women during labour.
This follows reports of alleged abuse at KaMaqhekeza Clinic near Komatipoort.
Mashego, who was speaking at the official opening of the Naas Community Health Centre recently, has instructed nurses in the province to wear name tags when on duty.
He said: “We are aware of nurses who sometimes don’t treat patients well. We urge the community to report such nurses.
“I promise you that this clinic will be the best. “Just give me three months.”
Mashego advised the community to put their complaints in the suggestion box.
A nurse from the KaMaqhekeza Clinic admitted to the beatings.
“The only time a patient is smacked is during labour when she is not following instructions. We get frustrated because the baby might die and the blame will be put on us,” said the nurse. – AENS
